Justice Department awards $256K for meat, with 16 bids received for a 3-month contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,632 ($25.6K)

Contractor: Advanced Commodities, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-01-01

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 89 days

Daily Burn Rate: $288/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 16

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ADVANCED COMMODITIES- 2ND QTR MEAT AWARD FOR FY26

Place of Performance

Location: BARTLETT, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60103

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $25,632 to ADVANCED COMMODITIES, INC. for work described as: ADVANCED COMMODITIES- 2ND QTR MEAT AWARD FOR FY26 Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for a short-term supply of meat. 2. Strong competition with 16 bids suggests a healthy market for this commodity. 3. The firm fixed-price structure mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. This award supports the Federal Prison System's need for essential food supplies. 5. The short duration indicates a tactical procurement rather than a long-term strategic one. 6. Geographic sourcing from Illinois may impact logistics and delivery timelines.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $256,320 for a 3-month meat supply to the Federal Prison System seems appropriate given the quantity and duration. Benchmarking against similar food service contracts for correctional facilities would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the competitive nature of the award suggests pricing is likely in line with market rates.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves soliciting offers from a reasonable number of sources. The receipt of 16 bids indicates robust competition, suggesting that multiple vendors were aware of and interested in the opportunity. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and achieving competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A high number of bids ensures taxpayers receive the best possible value by driving down prices through market forces.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will receive meat products as part of their dietary needs. The contract directly supports the operational requirements of the Bureau of Prisons. The primary geographic impact is within Illinois, where the vendor is located. This procurement supports jobs within the food manufacturing and distribution sector in Illinois.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting delivery timelines.
Quality control of meat products to meet federal standards requires ongoing monitoring.

Positive Signals

The competitive bidding process likely secured favorable pricing.
The firm fixed-price contract limits the government's exposure to price fluctuations.
The short contract duration allows for flexibility in future procurement strategies.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and distribution sector, specifically serving institutional or government clients. The market for supplying food products to federal correctional facilities is a specialized niche, often characterized by strict quality and safety regulations. While specific benchmarks for meat supply to prisons are not readily available, general food service contract data suggests that competitive solicitations are common.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses participated in the bidding process or if subcontracting opportunities exist within the awarded vendor's operations.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Bureau of Prisons' contracting officers and quality assurance personnel. Standard government procurement regulations and contract clauses would govern accountability and transparency. The Inspector General's office for the Department of Justice may also conduct audits or investigations if concerns arise regarding contract performance or integrity.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Department of Justice Commodity Procurement
Bureau of Prisons Inmate Welfare

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may require frequent re-procurement.
Reliance on a single vendor for a critical supply chain component.
Potential for price volatility in the meat market over the contract period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $25,632 to ADVANCED COMMODITIES, INC.. ADVANCED COMMODITIES- 2ND QTR MEAT AWARD FOR FY26

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ADVANCED COMMODITIES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25,632.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-01. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for meat procurement by the Federal Prison System?

Analyzing historical spending data for meat procurement by the Federal Prison System (FPS) is crucial for understanding long-term trends and identifying potential anomalies. This involves examining contract awards over several fiscal years, noting the total dollar amounts, contract types (e.g., fixed-price, cost-plus), competition levels, and average contract durations. For instance, if spending has steadily increased year-over-year, it might indicate rising food costs, increased inmate populations, or expanded service requirements. Conversely, a decrease could suggest efficiency improvements, changes in dietary guidelines, or reduced inmate numbers. Comparing the current award's value and duration against historical averages for similar procurements (e.g., quarterly meat supplies) can highlight whether this specific contract represents a typical expenditure or a deviation that warrants further investigation into its drivers, such as market fluctuations or specific operational needs.

How does the per-unit cost of meat in this contract compare to market rates or similar government contracts?

To assess the value for money in this $256,320 contract for meat, a detailed per-unit cost comparison is essential. This involves breaking down the total award by specific meat types (e.g., beef, poultry, pork) and calculating the cost per pound or per serving. These calculated unit costs should then be benchmarked against prevailing market rates for wholesale meat suppliers in the relevant geographic region (Illinois, in this case). Additionally, comparing these unit costs to those found in similar contracts awarded by other federal agencies or correctional systems for comparable meat products provides a vital external validation. If the per-unit costs are significantly higher than market rates or peer contracts, it could indicate potential overpricing or inefficiencies. Conversely, costs below market benchmarks might suggest excellent negotiation or a highly competitive bidding environment, signaling strong value for taxpayers.

What are the specific quality standards and inspection protocols for the meat products being procured?

The quality standards and inspection protocols for meat products procured by the Federal Prison System are critical to ensuring inmate health and safety, as well as meeting federal procurement requirements. These standards are typically detailed within the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS). They often align with guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for meat grading, handling, and safety. Inspection protocols would likely involve pre-shipment checks by the vendor, receiving inspections by Bureau of Prisons staff at the point of delivery, and potentially periodic unannounced inspections. These inspections would verify compliance with specifications regarding type, cut, weight, freshness, packaging, and absence of defects. Failure to meet these standards could result in rejection of goods, contract penalties, or even termination, underscoring the importance of robust oversight mechanisms.

What is the track record of Advanced Commodities, Inc. in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for food supplies?

Evaluating the track record of Advanced Commodities, Inc. is a key step in assessing the risk associated with this contract. This involves reviewing their past performance on federal contracts, specifically looking for awards related to food supplies or similar commodities. Resources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the General Services Administration's (GSA) contract databases can provide insights into their contract history, including contract values, agencies served, and performance ratings if available. A history of successful, on-time deliveries, adherence to quality standards, and positive past performance reviews would indicate a lower risk profile. Conversely, any documented instances of contract failures, disputes, late deliveries, or quality issues would raise concerns and necessitate closer scrutiny of their capacity and reliability for this current award.

How does the short duration (89 days) of this contract impact the overall strategy and cost-effectiveness for the Bureau of Prisons?

The short, 89-day duration of this contract for meat supply suggests a tactical procurement approach by the Bureau of Prisons, likely aimed at addressing an immediate or short-term need rather than a long-term strategic requirement. This brevity can offer several advantages: it allows for rapid response to changing needs, provides flexibility to re-compete or adjust specifications if market conditions shift, and potentially avoids long-term vendor lock-in. From a cost-effectiveness standpoint, short-term contracts can sometimes lead to higher per-unit costs compared to longer-term agreements that might offer volume discounts or economies of scale. However, in this case, the strong competition (16 bids) may have mitigated this potential drawback. The primary impact is that this award is likely part of a series of shorter procurements to cover ongoing operational needs, allowing the agency to maintain agility in its supply chain management.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Food Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: RFQP02162600004

Offers Received: 16

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 840 W BARTLETT RD, BARTLETT, IL, 60103

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,632

Exercised Options: $25,632

Current Obligation: $25,632

Actual Outlays: $9,620

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline